Maharashtra Bar Associations Hold Peaceful Demonstrations Following Lawyer Couple's Murder In Ahmednagar, Seek Measures For Security Of Advocates

Several Bar Associations in Maharashtra have passed resolutions for peaceful demonstrations this week in response to the double murder of lawyer couple Advocates Rajaram Jaywant Adhav and Manisha Adhav in Rahuri, Ahmednagar last week.

The Bombay City Civil & Sessions Court Bar Association has condemned the double murder and resolved to abstain from work today, February 2, 2024. Bombay Metropolitan Magistrate Court Bar Association resolved to wear a red ribbon on the left arm today and also join a march from Azad Maidan. The Bhiwandi Bar Association organised a demonstration in front of Tehsil Office, Bhiwandi on Thursday.

Various Bar Associations, especially those from Ahmednagar, such as Rahuri Bar Association, abstained from work on certain days. Others organized gatherings in order to condemn the murders. Many Bar Associations in their resolutions demanded enactment of Advocates Protection Act in the state.

A lawyers' body led by Advocate Ravi Jadhav has organized a peaceful march from Azad Maidan today. The march will conclude at Mantralaya, where they will submit a representation seeking enhanced security measures for advocates and their families.

Meanwhile, Advocate Uday Warunjikar, a member of the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa, clarified that BCMG has not given any call for a protest and is coordinating with the authorities to deal with the issue of security of Advocates.

Warunjikar said that the investigation has been transferred to CID at the request of BCMG, and the Council has provided financial assistance to legal heirs of the deceased. He further informed LiveLaw that BCMG representatives will have a meeting with Chief Justice Devendra Upadhyaya today, and another meeting with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is scheduled on the issue of security of advocates.

Advocate Ravi Jadhav, President of the Bombay City Civil & Sessions Court Bar Association, in his letters to CM Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis on January 29, 2024, called for the enactment and implementation of the Advocate Protection Act. He also sought implementation of insurance schemes tailored to the specific needs of advocates.

Advocates Rajaram Jaywant Adhav and Manisha Adhav were allegedly killed by five men including one of their clients. The accused allegedly planned to rob them, and tortured and killed them when they refused to pay Rs. 5 lakhs. Their bodies were discovered in a well in Umbre village.